Greatest Premier League Players: Frank Lampard

Frank Lampard has been one of the greatest Premier League players of his generation and was a leader, role model and consummate professional throughout his career.

Known for his exceptional stamina, Lampard was renowned for his ability to cover the entire field, contributing both defensively and offensively. He possessed outstanding game-reading skills, allowing him to make well-timed runs into the box and score goals consistently. Lampard’s remarkable goal-scoring ability from midfield set him apart and made him one of the most prolific midfielders in the 2000s.

During his time at Chelsea, Lampard enjoyed immense success, winning numerous domestic and international trophies. He played a pivotal role in Chelsea’s triumph in the Premier League, helping the team secure three league titles (2004-05, 2005-06, 2009-10). Lampard also played a crucial part in Chelsea’s victories in the FA Cup, League Cup, and UEFA Champions League.

He captained the side eighty-three times, most memorably in the 2012 Champions League final in the absence of a suspended John Terry (who lifted the trophy in full Chelsea kit despite not playing)

The Chelsea legend started his career at the West Ham United academy and joined as an apprentice in the summer of 1994, where his father (Frank Lampard Sr.) worked. He signed his first professional contract a year later and that’s where his footballing journey began.

Following a loan move in October 1995 to second division team Swansea City he made his debut for West In the following year, Lampard’s 1996-97 season was abruptly cut short after just thirteen appearances due to a broken leg sustained during a game against Aston Villa in March. It wasn’t until the ’97-98 campaign that he finally found the back of the net for West Ham, achieving this feat in an away triumph over Barnsley F.C.

As the 1998-99 season unfolded, Lampard cemented his place as a regular starter and showcased his talents in every match. West Ham’s commendable fifth-place finish in the Premiership standings that season further solidified his contribution to the team.

After the conclusion of the 2000-01 season, Lampard witnessed the departure of his teammate and close friend Rio Ferdinand, who moved to Leeds United. This was accompanied by the exits of his father, Frank Lampard Sr., and his uncle, Harry Redknapp, from West Ham. Influenced by these changes, Lampard made a similar decision and decided to leave the club. However, he opted to remain in London and joined Chelsea for a transfer fee of £11 million.

An early indication of Lampard’s future prowess was evident in his dominant performance against Patrick Vieira of Arsenal in the FA Cup Final, despite suffering a defeat at the end of his inaugural season. This progress was carried forward into the subsequent campaign. In the 2003-04 season, which marked the arrival of Roman Abramovich as the club’s owner and Lampard’s third season with Chelsea, he maintained his position in the team despite numerous new signings. His remarkable form saw him narrowly miss out on individual awards in English football, with only Thierry Henry surpassing his achievements.

Following the appointment of the renowned ‘Special One’ Jose Mourinho at Stamford Bridge in 2004, Frank Lampard’s career underwent a remarkable transformation. His lethal shooting abilities propelled Chelsea to the Premiership title that season, with Lampard emerging as the leading scorer from midfield, netting 13 goals in the league and an impressive total of 19 across all competitions.

Recognized as the Sportswriters’ Footballer of the Year and finishing as the runner-up in the European and World Player of the Year voting in 2005, Frank Lampard showcased his undeniable importance in modern football. He continued to be a vital presence for his team as they replicated their Premiership triumph in the 2005-06 season.

During the 2006-07 season, Frank Lampard set a remarkable record for Chelsea by playing 62 matches, the highest total for any player in a single campaign. Despite encountering two rare injuries and personal bereavement the following year, Lampard’s unwavering drive propelled Chelsea forward from midfield match after match. He consistently reached the coveted 20-goal milestone, showcasing his enduring impact on the team.

The box-to-box midfielder was a player who would also feature as a second striker. His versatility was one of his strengths as he could also play a deep-lying playmaker. Frank Lampard, wearing the Chelsea No. 8 jersey, possessed exceptional stamina that allowed him to tirelessly cover the entire field for the full 90 minutes.

This attribute gave him a significant advantage over his counterparts. Lampard’s sharp game-reading skills and precise positioning in the box further elevated his performance. His remarkable shot accuracy was a key factor behind his ability to score numerous goals from midfield. His passing ability was also truly exceptional, encompassing a wide range of techniques. Whether it was delivering accurate long balls, precise short passes, or incisive through balls, Lampard displayed remarkable versatility in his passing game.

In the remarkable 2009/10 season, Frank Lampard proved his enduring quality as a central midfielder. With an astonishing tally of 27 goals and a multitude of assists, Lampard played an instrumental role in Chelsea’s triumphant Double-winning campaign. Not only did they clinch the FA Cup by defeating Everton in the final, but they also narrowly edged out Manchester United to secure the league title.

Lampard’s performance indicated that he was improving with age, defying any notions of decline. Remarkably, he showcased his resilience by avoiding injuries throughout the season, which further enhanced his impact on the team.

As the season reached its climax, Lampard once again demonstrated his exceptional ability and invaluable experience. Just as he had done on numerous occasions before, Lampard stepped up when it mattered most. In the absence of John Terry, he took on the role of skipper for the Champions League Final in Munich, showcasing his leadership qualities.

In a remarkable display, Lampard not only led the team but also contributed significantly on the field. He capped off his outstanding performance by scoring the third penalty during the shoot-out. To add to the celebrations, Lampard had the privilege of lifting the trophy alongside the suspended captain, solidifying his pivotal role in Chelsea’s triumphant Champions League campaign.

On May 11, 2013, Frank Lampard etched his name into Chelsea’s history books by becoming the club’s all-time leading goal scorer. With a magnificent brace in a 2-1 victory over Aston Villa, Lampard surpassed Bobby Tambling’s record, reaching an impressive tally of 203 goals.

At the end of the 2013/14 season, Chelsea officially announced that Lampard’s contract would not be renewed, marking the end of his remarkable 13-year tenure with the club. Throughout his illustrious Chelsea career, Lampard amassed a total of 648 appearances and found the back of the net 211 times, leaving his footnote on the club’s rich footballing legacy.

But his premier league career was not over, he joined Manchester City champions and still proved himself at the highest level, including scoring against his former club. The Citizens eventually finished the season runners up to Chelsea.

Throughout his career, Lampard was admired for his professionalism, leadership, and dedication to the sport. The 2021 Hall of Fame Inductee left an indelible mark on English football and remains a legendary figure in the sport.

After a brief stint in the MLS in the USA for New York City, Lampard moved into management with Derby County, and also managed Everton and Chelsea (twice) although we won’t taint his premier League legacy with details.

Nationality – England

Date of Birth – 20/06/1978

Height – 184cm

Position – Midfielder

Premier League Record

Appearances – 609

Goals – 177

Assists – 102

Monthly Awards – 4

Titles – 3 Premier Leagues, 4 FA Cups, 2 League Cups, 2 Community Shields, 1 Europa League, 1 Champions League

England Caps/Goals – 106/29